What property do gels exhibit when agitated due to thixotropy?

Gels exhibit decreased viscosity when agitated due to thixotropy, which is a property of certain materials that become less viscous when subjected to shear stress or agitation. This means that when a gel is stirred or shaken, it can flow more easily, allowing for better application in beauty and therapeutic practices.

This property is particularly valuable in beauty therapy because products like gels can be easily spread on the skin when applied, ensuring even coverage without being too thick or difficult to manipulate. Once the agitation stops, the gel can return to its original, thicker state, providing the desired consistency for effective treatment and patient comfort.

Other choices, such as increased viscosity, stability, or uniform composition, do not accurately represent the behavior of thixotropic gels under agitation. Increased viscosity would imply the material becomes thicker, which contradicts the nature of thixotropy. Stability refers to the product's ability to maintain its properties over time, while uniform composition relates to consistency in formulation rather than its response to external forces.